About this program
The Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering builds your expertise in design and problem-solving for electrical systems. You start with a solid foundation in math, physics, programming, circuits, and chemistry. In your third and fourth years, you deepen your skills in microelectronics, digital and control systems, signal processing, electromagnetics, and communication systems, all with hands-on labs and a senior design project. The program prepares you for technical careers or graduate study, grounded in real-world engineering practices.
Program Curriculum and Requirements
Program Scope
Electrical Engineering is a profession that makes creative use of mathematics and science to solve practical problems in electricity, electronics, and related areas. The goal of the Electrical Engineering program at SF State is to provide students with a practical, hands-on education that emphasizes applications.
The electrical engineering curriculum at SF State prepares students for the profession by developing their ability to formulate and solve engineering problems and design and analyze electrical components and systems. In their first two years, students obtain a solid foundation in mathematics and sciences. In their third year, students are introduced to a broad spectrum of electrical engineering disciplines. In their senior year, students gain in-depth knowledge in elective areas such as electronics, computers, communication, and robotics. They consolidate their educational experience with a capstone senior project in which they design a complete, working electronic system. In addition to solving technical problems, engineers must also be responsible and respected members of the community. Therefore, the curriculum includes a range of general education courses to round out the student's university education.
The Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Electrical Engineering program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, https://www.abet.org, under the General Criteria and the Electrical Engineering Program Criteria.
Program Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering, a student will be able to demonstrate:
- an ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics.
- an ability to apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety, and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors.
- an ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences.
- an ability to recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informed judgments, which must consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts.
- an ability to function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives.
- an ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions.
- an ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.
SFSU Accelerated Bachelor's + Master's
The blended programs offer an accelerated route for motivated undergraduate students in Computer/Electrical Engineering to complete both their B.S. and M.S. degrees in five years. Students work directly with a faculty advisor to gain research experience and necessary skills to apply creativity, critical thinking, and technologies in developing engineering products and solutions for real-world problems. The undergraduate program introduces a breadth of the field and the master program a depth, the combination of which is an excellent preparation for flourishing in modern tech economy.
Minor in Electrical Engineering
The Minor in Electrical Engineering invites you to build foundational knowledge in electrical systems — even if you're not an engineering major. In a 21-unit program, you take a 16-unit core in four key areas: circuit theory, electronics, linear signals and systems, and digital logic and computer architecture. You then apply your interests through electives, while maintaining at least a 2.0 GPA and earning a C or better in required math and physics prerequisites. All courses must be letter-graded and an advisor-approved plan ensures your pathway toward meaningful learning.
Learn more about the Minor in Electrical Engineering